Modi, US NSA discuss terrorism, Afghanistan

New Delhi, (IANS) US National Security Adviser (NSA) Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster on Tuesday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed issues related to terrorism and Afghanistan.

Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval also attended the meeting at Modi’s official residence, according to a picture released by the Prime Minister’s Office.

Informed sources said they discussed security issues concerning South Asia and how to better cooperate on countering terror threats emanating from the Taliban and Islamic State’s presence in Afghanistan.

According to the US embassy, McMaster emphasised the importance of US-India strategic relationship and reaffirmed India’s designation as a major defence partner.

“The two sides discussed a range of bilateral and regional issues, including their shared interest in increasing defence and counterterrorism cooperation,” an embassy statement said.

McMaster arrived here on Monday evening, the first visit by a senior official of President Donald Trump’s administration.

On his South Asian trip that began over the weekend, McMaster on Monday visited Pakistan where he met Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Foreign Affairs Adviser Sartaj Aziz and the army chief, stressing “the need to confront terrorism in all its forms”.

He also visited Afghanistan to review efforts at stabilizing the country.